More Equipment Lust.

I frequently lust for big, beasty (usually old) tube bass amps. It seems like one's always in the shop, though. Check out this beauty. I didn't even know such a thing existed. I've been impressed with Matchless amplifiers for wicked loud wicked tone, even if they're like a ship's anchor. I can't even imagine what 200 watts of Matchless bass amp could sound like. The dude is askin' $4,500. I won't be getting it, but it stokes my jonez for more 200-watt tube bass amps. I really need to find something in a 100-watt machine for BLC. Maybe an Ampeg V4B?

I did pick up a new distortion box that's pretty wild, even if it's totally digi. It's actually a lot more evil (in a good way) than I thought. I've dialed up a couple presets (it has six available slots) for use this Friday at practice. I found it online and totally had to pick it up because there's nothing else out there that's really innovative--everything's either Rat-based, Muff-based (bad luck with that box; it's being fixed though), or TS-based, it seems. I wanted a clean blend and a noise gate, and I got it. I wanted a flexible eq, and I got it. Programmable and MIDI and morphing and multi-band and foldback and octave was just gravy.

We all know how much I love gravy--just ask my arteries.

Show Recap; Stuff

We were far from perfect, but the crowd was pissed enough that they didn't care (this is what we count on). We made some new friends, and sold some cds. I'm still astounded by the amount of money--when I joined the band, a point was made that this band is not commercially successful (that isn't isn't even the case).

The Limbs is a one-man deal. Dude did a Tom Waits cover to close his set, and, although TW gets on my nerves usually, I was stoked. Totally worth seeing; I'll be a repeat offender.

The DJ/VJ did a mashup of Wild Thing



and Lick It Up



it was awesome.

Light Travels Faster did their thing (solid set). Later, Todd and I talked amps. I really like that guy, the rest of the band isn't very chatty.

It was great to re-connect with Mark from The Construct. I played with him 15 years ago, briefly during that post Neglected Mind period. Mark is really flourishing with the loop pedals. Dude always had impeccable time, so I'm not surprised that he's doing something technical. He's really a great drummer, along the lines of Mike Ricketts.

Tito made it down. He isn't used to seeing me play with so much tone. The new electronics and new BLC songs that I'm playing helmsman on really are different for me. I used to be uncomfortable with sparse arrangements, but not so much anymore.

BLC had some equipment casualties, though. Greg's two Les Pauls were not happy with tuning and it sounded bad, or in another key. Either my amp or Josh's made some bizarre sounds (the verge of pure DC clipping) 3/4 of the way through the set. I think that I was the offender--but it could have been the PA. After I get some rest, I need to see WTF. At least we don't have anything scheduled until 5/16, so I can work out the amp crap.

I'm stoked that I have the BLC cab at home with me, so that I can play the new bass through it and see if a useful BLC eq is to be found with a 4x10".

It looks like we're on the hook for a major (maybe) fiasco in October. Whatever...we'll be stoked to do it up--playin' for despondent college kids is totally our bag. Playing in a truck is an experience that I welcome.

I heard the preliminary mix for the compilation submission. Dameon sounds a little too AM radio; I'd like the bass and drums louder. I'm not going to bitch too much. The fuckin' Hammond track doesn't sound too bad with the new context (Josh really did some nice distortion guitar work).

I require sleep now.

Maximum R&B (epic narrative of my weekend)

Since Wednesday, it's been non-stop, my droogs. I'm fucking burnt out, seriously.

Wednesday was the OC photos. I'm not so into getting photographed, but Laurie seems to be pretty cool. I think that I screwed up my neck posing.

Thursday night was Bad Luck City's big bad tour to Fort Collins, where we played with Badman (who are awesome). The 'tape' of the show sounds amazing as far as the band goes. The vocals sounded shitty, though. I had fun.

Friday was a fucking painful day at work. I'm glad that I don't do that shit every day. It was a special occasion.

Friday night was the baddest show in town: Reverend Deadeye (who's learnt hisself some tricks on the road), The Omens, Badman (killer set), and us. The Larimer Lounge has two blown monitors at the moment: stage right and the drum monitor. Uncool.

Saturday was picking up Mesa number two at the shop. Next, I killed some time with LRC (I wanted to buy her lunch but she had other plans). Then, it was off to the BLS band rehearsal. We're going to pull this shit off. Live music needs a little danger to be exciting to play (I think that Steve Harris said something like that once). I went home and got myself drunk (finally).

Sunday was agonizing over rehearsal tapes and then delivering 'em to BLS. Then I went to LRC's where French toast was waiting for me (with a couple pounds of bacon). Killer. We screwed around and went to the rock-stick-mega-haus because I needed another rack case for numero dos. We ate chinese food and watched Clue (I hadn't seen it through--just bits). I passed out and got a nice little nap before going to rehearsal again. We rocked.

I'm fucking tired.